"Sukarno, Hatta, Syahrir: Kisah&Memoir Tiga Macan Asia" and "Tjokroaminoto: Guru Para Pendiri Bangsa"

Weekly reading:

Sukarno, Hatta, Syahrir 

Tjokroaminoto

Last week I was browsing some books and encountered some titles that I wanted to read relating to Indo history. I looked one up on the university's library catalogue, and it was there! I went to the library within a week 😛

I was impressed with the university's collection of Indo books :)

The books were kept on the basement floor, so you know how my imagination was instantly activated ;)

I've planned to borrow the Sukarno, Hatta, Syahrir one, but when I saw Tjokroaminoto, i have to borrow it as well! I've been wanting to watch "Guru Bangsa Tjokroaminoto", and I've only got to watch a fraction of it x(

So I was coming home happy & excited! :)

I started reading the first one, and I enjoyed it :) I really enjoyed learning about these incredible leaders of Indonesia, especially about Pak Hatta. I've read a book about him written by his 3 daughters, and this book just adds to the desire of learning more from the man. 

Syahrir is probably the least known out of the three, but he had a big influence towards Indonesia's independence as well. And, how can you forget, he was Indonesia's prime minister at one time. A rare title :)

I guess what Sukarno had then is charm. He had that incredible aura, charisma, persona, that when matched with his knowledge and persistence, moved the people towards independence. I respect these 3 person, and would love to learn more about them.

The second book talked about Tjokroaminoto, especially his involvement in Serikat Islam, as well as his influence towards Indonesia's big names such as Sukarno, Musso, Tan Malaka, etc. 

I guess what I learn about this guy is that people are imperfect, and that you should keep to what you believe. 

In his life, he had to experience having opposing opinions with his best friends and mentees.

But even though he had his moment of weaknesses, he stayed true to what he believed. I'd really like to learn more about this guy, through movies or books. He had inspired a lot of young movement leaders by setting an example for them.

But what an amazing guy he was! Although  he never saw the independence of the country, he had sown the seeds within the people of Indonesia through his organizations, newspapers, etc, as well as in the young leaders around him. Inspiring!

What I learned from these 4 men, is that all were open minded towards 'western' ideas, yet they were not carried away to those ideas. Instead, they picked the most important bits that also agreed to Indonesian values. Even though most of them were educated outside of Indonesia, they keep in their hearts the dream of an independent Indonesia. 

It was heart-warming!

However...

I find the book kind of 'shallow' :')

Like, many of the information were recycled through the different chapters; and there was not enough depth and discussion of their philosophies, which I was hoping to read. Unlike 'Bung Hatta di Mata Ketiga Putrinya', which was much more satisfying as it has both stories and philosophies, beliefs, and values.

I believe Indonesian writing can be much better than these! Hopefully this was just my 'bad luck'.

Or maybe it's a sign for me to one day write about these people? 

Will be back to that basement for more!

CHEERS!

-*^^*-